California Code, Public Resources Code - PRC § 6804.1

Notwithstanding any provisions of this code to the contrary, a lessee may at any time make and file with the commission a written quitclaim or relinquishment of all rights under any lease or of any portion thereof comprising a 10-acre parcel or multiple thereof in a compact form, or of any separate or distinct zone or geological horizon or portion thereof underlying such 10-acre parcel or multiple thereof.  Such quitclaim or relinquishment shall be effective as of the date of its filing, subject to the continued obligation of the lessee and his surety to make payment of all rentals and royalties theretofore accrued and to place all wells on the lands, or in the zones or horizons to be quitclaimed or relinquished, in condition for suspension or abandonment in accordance with the applicable lease terms and regulations;  thereupon the lessee shall be released from all obligations thereafter accruing under said lease with respect to the lands, zones or horizons quitclaimed or relinquished, but no such quitclaim or relinquishment shall release such lessee or his surety from any liability for breach of any obligation of the lease with respect to which such lessee is in default at the time of the filing of such quitclaim or relinquishment.